Ormuzd's Living Word to Zoroaster (1789) - Page 3

H This letter likely serves as a category marker or shelf-mark for the collection.

A circular emblem or bookplate is mounted on a white rectangular label. The central image shows a white pelican in her piety, a traditional motif where the bird tears its breast to feed its young with its own blood. This scene is set against a blue circular background with golden rays descending from a sun at the top. The nest rests on a square pedestal decorated with four roses. A border encircles the central image containing text in capital letters.

HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY

original: "PHILOSOPHIA HERMETICA." This refers to the tradition of esoteric wisdom attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. It is often associated with alchemy, astrology, and spiritual transformation.

Hermetic Philosophy: A system of thought based on writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. It focuses on the relationship between the divine, the cosmos, and humanity.
Pelican in her piety: An alchemical and heraldic symbol. It represents the "Red Work" or the final stage of the alchemical process. It symbolizes sacrifice and the nourishment of the seeker by the teacher or the divine.
Emblem: A symbolic picture accompanied by text, used to convey a moral or philosophical lesson.